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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Healthy Habits: IVF and Single Embryo Transfers

Fertility
patients who want to get pregnant as soon as possible often opt for
implantation of multiple embryos during an IVF cycle. However, leading
physicians say that given the health risks of twins, implanting a single
embryo offers the best chance of conceiving a healthy baby.

New Hope Fertility Center,
a world-renowned clinic based in New York, has performed elective
single embryo transfers as standard practice since 2005. This is to
reduce the rate of multiple births and the associated health problems,
like preterm labor. And many other fertility centers are now following
their lead.

According
to Dr. John Zhang, an IVF expert and pioneer in fertility treatments,
this approach offers the best chance for successful pregnancies and
healthy babies.

“Our
goal is not just to get the patient pregnant, but to have a healthy
live birth. Multiple embryo transfers increase the rate of twins – and
associated complications such as preterm birth. We have to consider the
strain this puts on the baby, mother and even the healthcare system.

“We
have seen many of our patients conceive and deliver healthy, full-term
babies from single embryo transfers. And we are pleased that other
centers are following in our footsteps and making this a standard
practice.”

Dr.
Zhang also stresses that physicians must practice responsibly and
counsel their patients on all the potential risks of any fertility
treatment. That way, would-be parents can make a fully informed
decision.